Black Butler Movie Review: It Was One Hell Of A Movie

Black Butler: The Movie is now in cinemas after so many centuries of waiting! With an anime like that, we thought the live-action rendition would not be as all that as the anime… but I did mention that I was going to watch it even if Sebastian hasn’t had a haircut since the 19th Century, right.

Already at the beginning, the movie is full of action. Sebastian is the butler, no doubt about it. I know I’m stating the obvious but I don’t think there is ever enough emphasis on that! He calmly defeats the enemies and saves his master without breaking a sweat. The film makes a grand entrance with a badass rock soundtrack. Then Kiyoharu goes about his duties as the Queen’s Watchdog just like Ciel and Sebastian (used to).

Ayame Goriki who plays Sebastian’s beloved master, Kiyoharu, is one hell of a talented actress! She perfectly portrays her character’s coolness throughout and executes the more expressive scenes skilfully as the film progresses to complement the urgency or the dramatic parts. I thought she was actually Ciel Phantomhive! Or rather, Ciel would probably look like this in reality. The only blatant funny scene was when Kiyoharu tries to smile – just like when Ciel tries to smile. That made me giggle along with some other viewers.

The whole movie was very solemn and dark, staying true to the theme from the anime. There was no obvious comic relief aside from Kiyoharu’s smile scene but I found Tanaka, the old, faithful butler a very adorable character. Just like in the anime, he sips his cup of tea in his Japanese-style tea cup. His grandfatherly facial expression and random appearances in the movie was good enough to diffuse the tense atmosphere that settled in the theatre because everyone was so absorbed in the plot. (☉_☉) Lin, who plays the clumsy maid in the Genpo household, is just like Mey-Rin from the anime and manga in the Phantomhive household – except that she’s called Lin. So basically, she’s just as good as Mey-Rin in terms of her skills.

Another character that was introduced in the movie is Kiyoharu’s aunt, Hanae, and her butler. She provides a rather nice eyecandy for the viewers who prefer this (mature) type than the moe-maid-loli type (as in Lin). Right now, all I can say is, hold on to your velvet seats because she is part of the film’s super unexpected plot twist.

Besides the really enigmatic plot which enthralled me and also the other viewers in the theatre, I liked that the film was unafraid of the taboos. Directors Kentaro Otani and Keiichi Sato did not deviate from the very occult-themed style that of the manga and anime. From the ambience to the way the actors moved, everything was done to amplify the seriousness and action that gave all of us something to look forward to every scene. Sebastian’s epic fight scenes at the beginning and the ending were very exciting, and when he catches Lin and demonstrates the one hell of a butler he is just left us all going like, “Whoaaaa. Coooooool.”

Of course, this movie would not be made without Sebastian! Fans of Hiro Mizushima could have gone manic at his many appearances and smart butler dialogue. There were many dramatic close-ups of Sebastian, coolly threatening his adversaries or just coolly saying something. One more thing: Cats. Yes, Sebastian and cats are peppered throughout the film. Besides that, the highlight of the character, Sebastian, would probably be the way he fluidly moves and talks. However, at the last fight scene… SEBASTIAN, HOW DO YOU SEE WITH THAT HAIR ALL OVER YOUR FACE?

The movie is one I would encourage many people to watch. Although it’s theme was bleak, the storyline was absolutely captivating. You just couldn’t wait for Kiyoharu and Sebastian to solve the mystery! There was not a lot of deep, detective clues and riddles that will blow your mind, but the plot will give your emotions a roller coaster to ride on.

Okay, one last thing. There was no yaoi going on but you can expect something… romantic at the end! Order your butler to go get your tickets to this film now! Black Butler: The Movie is one hell of a movie.